Staff Stories | JFC Careers | John Fillmore Contractors

LEADERSHIP LADDER

From foreman to leading multi-million dollar projects.

You have stepped up from foreman, to supervisor, and now to Project Manager – Tell me about your career at JFC.

I came on initially as a subcontractor doing formwork for building works, then I was offered a job as foreman on the Victory Church project. After about six to twelve months, I stepped up to become a site supervisor.

Over time the team saw that I had potential for project management, which led to me managing a few different crews on a range of sites. Now I run the small works division, taking care of operations across all our small sites – this can mean anything from 20 to 50 staff or 60 subcontractors.

What do you like about working for JFC?

The people and the atmosphere are really good, plus there’s a real variety of work – I’ve worked on everything from high profile streetscapes like Mission Bay through to cycleways, massive trenches, drainage and roading. I’ve worked on rural sites in Pukekohe through to sites right in the central city. There’s a huge range.

The career opportunities are awesome, I’ve been really fortunate with the support and opportunities I’ve received. The sky’s the limit if you’re willing to do the work.

What has been your favourite project?

My favourite would have to be Mission Bay as it was challenging, but in the end it turned out really neat. There were lots of constructability issues because it’s tidal and we were working in sand, plus it’s a high profile so it attracted a lot of interest.

What are the main challenges?

This industry runs on short deadlines – you need to get in there quick and complete the work as fast as possible while still delivering the best outcome for your customers. Plus there’s the added challenge of managing staff with a heavy workload. So it’s about doing what you can, as fast as you can.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining JFC?

Definitely do it, the opportunities are endless. It’s really easy to succeed if you want to and JFC gives you the tools and training to get where you want to go.

Being a family business, you’re not just a number. Plus Sam Fillmore and the senior leadership team are really involved – you don’t really see that in larger corporate companies.